Election Day Nov. 5: Sherman council seats up for grabs

SHERMAN, TEXAS -- Current council members Joe Smith and Pam Howeth are terming out, leaving their District 1 and 3 seats up for grabs.

Businessmen Lawrence Davis and Steve Ingram are running in District 1.

Davis has a law background and has owned and operated a local oil and gas business for the past 17 years.

"I have experience with financial statements and budgets and long-range planning, I think, and also some of the legal issues that we have. I think I can bring that experience that some of the council members don't have now," Davis said.

Davis says his background will lend a hand in bringing businesses to Sherman, which he says should be the city's number one objective.

"Attract businesses and jobs that come with those businesses, and I think we do that best by keeping taxes low and having the infrastructure in place that these businesses need so they will move here and grow and expand," Davis said.

Davis's opponent, Steve Ingram, is also a self-employed businessman. Ingram says he's running to be a voice for the people and to ensure that the city has good representation.

Ingram declined an interview Monday.

In District 3, former Sherman police chief Tom Watt is running.

"I've seen a lot of the problems that face our community and this is just another way for me to try and help the community get through those issues," Watt said.

Watt says his 30 plus years with the Sherman Police Department gives him a unique perspective in leading the city.

Watt, too, says it's important to add more businesses to the local economy, but he says the city should be strategic in doing so.

"If you could grow the economy with a small to medium business base, I think we'd be better off," Watt said.

Watt's opponent in District 3 is Jim Travis, who could not be reached for comment Monday.

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